His Royal Pleasure by Leanne Banks Page A

of pirates climbed up the side of the boat. Katherine’s heart tightened in spite of herself. It was Al with a bandana around his dark head and a sword in his hand.
    He gave a loud call to battle, and chaos erupted. Gunshots were fired. The clash of steel, a cry for mercy and a man’s groan were heard. Katherine watched them throw a sailor overboard. The pirates fought viciously, or so it appeared. Along with everyone else, she heard an “Ouch! Watch it!”
    The audience, transfixed by the scene, laughed.
    Suddenly Lord Richard appeared with sword in hand.
    Raven leaped from the side of the ship to stand in front of him. “I’ve come to collect my treasure, Lord Richard.”
    Lord Richard shook his head. “We carry no gold, Raven. Take your leave. You’ve caused enough mischief tonight.”
    Raven laughed, tossing back his head, revealing strong white teeth. “’Tis not gold I seek, you fool. ’Tis Bettina.”
    Katherine’s breath caught at the sight of him. His strength and power were revealed with none of the trappings of civilization and all the glory of his basic masculinity. She could almost feel the heat of him.
    Lord Richard raised his sword. Light reflected off the flashing steel. The men parried and thrust, lunged and feinted.
    Roused by the noise, Bettina entered.
    At her cry Raven turned to see her, taking a cutting stroke to his arm. When dark blood seeped into his shirt, the crowd gasped. Katherine did, too, even though she knew it couldn’t be real.
    Raven turned the full strength of his fury against Richard. In the blink of an eye Richard was disarmed, and the point of Raven’s sword rested against Richard’s throat.
    Bettina ran to Raven. “Have mercy on him. He is a fool, but he is my brother.”
    Raven paused, keeping his sword poised on the utterly still Richard.
    Everyone held his breath.
    â€œAway with him!” Raven ordered his men, and watched them take Richard below.
    Raven took Bettina in his arms and kissed her soundly.
    The audience whistled and cheered. But the enjoyment ended right there for Katherine. Her mouth went dry as dust. She watched Al’s firm mouth pressed against Suzanne’s and felt a painful wrenching inside. A shiver ran down her spine.
    The campers gave an enthusiastic ovation and congratulated Katherine on the success of the skit. Some returned to their campsites. Others gathered around for the scheduled “Dancing on the Beach.”
    It was just a corny little drama for the guests, she told herself later. She should be pleased by its success. Chad and Al had been surrounded by admirers for the past hour. The notion that she was jealous appalled her. She wasn’t that kind of person. Katherine sighed and looked at the ocean.
    â€œWill you dance with me, Katie?”
    She turned. It was Tom, the mechanic. He was a shy, thin man with brown hair and kind hazel eyes. She knew for a fact that he was five years older than she was, but he seemed younger. Katherine mustered a smile. “Of course. Thank you,” she said, and allowed him to lead her into the gyrating fray.
    The next song was a slow one, and she was about to excuse herself when Al appeared. Still dressed in his pirate’s costume, he was dangerously compelling.
    â€œDance with me,” he said in that arrogant tone that still made her blink.
    She took a deep breath. “Well, I was just about to—”
    â€œâ€”dance with me,” he finished with a maddening smile.
    Katherine stepped backward at the intensity in his dark eyes. “I don’t think— Oops.” She bumped into another couple. “Excuse me.”
    Al pulled her into his arms. “I’ve been looking for you.”
    Her heart jumped. “I’ve been here all night long.” Time to move away, Katherine.
    â€œBut not close enough.” His fingers sifted through her hair, and for an instant she imagined his hands all over